pls advise on used purchase

I recently purchased a used 2005 Prius as well (from dealer).

Kelly Blue Book lists the asking price as just about right (www.kbb.com).

Some things that I would check on:

1. Service receipts for oil changes etc. The warrenty may hinge on making sure that these where done appropriately. See if he can come up with something, perhaps even credit card charges, something that will help to show appropriate service. Not sure if a signed affadavit would help or not.

2. Does it have any type of extended warrenty? This would incease the value (IMHO). If not, you may want to negotiate a warrenty into the sale. Since it has less than 36K, you may want to check with the guy here at Prius Chat about whether or not it is eligible for the extended warrenty by a second time owner (I think it's less then $1000). I purchased one through the dealer (I hadn't found this place yet, so I over-paid ), and this gave me a bit of a sense of security.

3. Any extras (aftermarket items, cargo nets, floor mats, etc) that may sweeten the deal?

You do have some negotiating power, check out the trade-in price and try for a value somewhere between the trade-in and private value prices for your final price. You may also want to check the used car sites (www.autotrader.com, www.carmax.com, www.cars.com were some I used) for some idea of the value locally and nationally.

Good luck. I have enjoyed my Prius so far, very happy with it. This place is a geat source of info, and lots of friendly people.

 

I may be wrong, but I believe I remember an earlier discussion here on PC, about 'proof of oil changes and the warranty.'

From what I recall, it's possible to somehow examine the sludge/amount of sludge that has built up (if the oil wasn't changed regularly) or the lack of it (if it was)...so it may not be totally critical that you have every receipt for oil changes.

That is, if the service was done. If it wasn't, and they open up the engine for a warranty claim, and they find evidence that maintenance wasn't done, then (since you have no proof to the contrary) you might be in for trouble.

I mean, this process is probably only triggered by a warranty claim, so if it keeps running, well, then it's a non-issue. But if there is a problem, it's fairly noticeable by looking at certain of the internal components as to how it's been maintained.

You might be able to find some more (circumstantial) evidence. I'd look at wear items like the armrest and center console and the brake pedal and maybe some of the buttons which would get a lot of use...things like this can be clues to how 'hard' the person drove the car on a daily basis (and, perhaps, their attitude towards the car itself).

Another thing: is it still on its first set of tires? That would be another clue as to the type of driver this person is. The stock tires are Goodyear Integrities, size 185/(I'm drawing a blank on the aspect ratio)/15. If they were gentle with it, the original tires (at this mileage number) should have some tread left...if not, you'll probably find a new pair of (cheap) tires have been installed.

I think I'd try to remember that there are other used Prii out there, and that just 'cause you make a long drive to go and see this one, don't feel compelled to close the sale if you're not sure about how it's all going down.

RE the price: it's in the ballpark, but not really a "bargain" in my opinion. The lack of service records doesn't help, either. Personally, I'd like to have the records, but I'm a bit risk-averse when it comes to things like this.

 

If oil changes was not done at the dealership, I would ask wich jiffy lube or walmart he took it to on a regular basis every 5k miles and go to that location they can print out his service records there.

If he did him self ask for the reciepts for oil and filters he would have kept them for his own warranty needs IMO .

I dont think it is a bargain price but try to come down if he wants to sell he will come down. Odds are he went to a dealer that gave him a lowball trade in price I bet so now he has to sell on his own.

If ext, warranty is available still for 2nd owner just tell him to take off 1300.00 from his asking price and buy the warranty here on PC for 990.00

Camelback Toyota was a good dealership to go to when I lived in Phx. I think they had a Hybrid tech there have them inspect it, if possible .

 

<_< Hi alief

I believe the Extended Warranty for a Prius bought used is limited, although available. You might want to go to the PriusChat "Store" here and check the limitations. Just click on "Prius Accessories" top right of this page and it will lead you to the "Discounted Extended Warranty." As for the "Bumper-to-Bumper" Warranty (3 yrs or 36,000 miles) this Prius apparently is nearing the mileage limit on that one. Of course, you still have the balance of years and miles on drive train (60,000 miles) and specific hybrid components (8 years, 100,000 miles).

The suggestion to check Kelley Bluebook for "trade" value is a good one. Since Prius have become more available, the actual value of used Prius have decreased incrementally. I would also check other car price services for "used" and "trade" values. The CarFax report is absolutely essential, read it carefully.

No reason you shouldn't get many more miles of service on the Prius you describe.

As always, Caveat Emptor

 

alief:

Top package in 2004 was actually #9. I bought a black Pack #9 04 model with only 15k miles last summer from a local dealership. Which leads to the only other factor I'd toss into this discussion: I paid a tad more than I would have from a private seller, but I got the Toyota Certified Used Wty, which can be upgraded to full "bumper to bumper" coverage, making the car essentially completely covered for 7/100. I drive a lot, so without doubt, I'll drive through the 100k miles long before seven years are gone. Anyway, depending upon your circumstances and tastes, a TCU car might be another option to consider. Other than that, it sounds like you've thought it out pretty well.

EDIT: ooops, I was reading too quickly (which means not really reading at all I guess...). Enjoy your choice, these are great fun cars. You're not going to beat any 'vettes off the line, but just wait 'till the first time you get to pull up next to a Suburban at a gas station. Now that's fun! Welcome to the club!